Novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a novelty pump straw with combined display area and prize delivery system that can easily be used to pump liquids into the mouth of the user without the use of mouth suction, used to convey information and messages, and deliver prizes and other marketing materials. The invention may include noisemakers, a selection of several different pump devices, various shapes of the pump devices, a stand-alone toy, and several means to convey information and messages on a display area. The exterior features, overall look and size are similar to that of a drinking straw with a pump attached between the two ends of the drinking straw. The invention, besides being used for drinking applications, may also be used for many other activities, some of which include marketing, amusement, and relaxation.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The invention relates to an improved drinking straw device thatuses a pumping action to deliver liquid to the mouth of the user.Additionally, this improved pump drinking straw incorporates a displayarea with surfaces for messages, including prize delivery, which areintegral to the pumping action device.

[0002] The basic drinking straw is a linear and hollow tube designed totransport liquid from a vessel to the mouth of the user by virtue of avacuum created by the user sucking at the receiving end. Drinking strawsthat are designed in novel and amusing shapes and colors have long beenknown. An example of one such novel shape is a hard plastic straw with aseries of loops so that the liquid may be observed progressing throughthe loops as the user drinks the liquid. More complex entertainmentdevices used in drinking straws include gearing or turbines in contactwith the liquid or affiliated with the movement of liquid to turn thegearing or turbine blades. The turbine power, generated by the liquid orair, may serve to display the turning gears, blades and/or move afanciful object for amusement and entertainment. However, these designsare generally limited to serve as amusement only.

[0003] Additionally, mechanical means to transfer liquid from a vessel,include methods to effectuate the transfer, are well known in the art.Prior attempts include uses in sporting hydration devices, such as asqueezable sports bottle with a resealable cap and tubing so that abicyclist can aim the liquid in his mouth without the use of hands.Other sports uses incorporate a liquid reservoir, including a canteen,worn by the user with a tube connected to the reservoir, again designedto allow the user to aim the liquid into her mouth for convenience. Onesuch sporting water reservoir device with tubing includes a squeeze bulbto assist in the movement of liquid from the reservoir, as taught inU.S. Pat. No. 6,199,729 to Drzymkowski. Yet another prior attemptincludes U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,385 granted to Klegerman et al., whichteaches of a multi-walled, replaceable filter, portable water filteringdevice for use at public drinking fountains or other public watersupplies. Rarely is this equipment intended for disposal after a singleuse nor would it be cost effective to place this equipment next to papernapkins and typical drinking straws for the public in a retail or foodservice setting.

[0004] In terms of prize delivery, few prior attempts at distributingboth advertising and prizes on liquid transfer devices are found.However, one such attempt, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,279 andgranted to Howes, consists of a prize (cash or coupon) or notice of sucha prize wound in a generally spiral form about or in a drinking straw,either inserted into the drinking straw itself (to be removed before thestraw is used to drink liquid) or printed on the drinking straw andcovered by a sliding cylindrical housing. However, because drinkingstraws are used in extremely wet environments, unwinding and removing arolled piece of paper may be troublesome if the paper becomes wet andprone to tear or, if the sheet is made of a plastic or waxy material,adhesion and capillary action could prevent removal of the prize ornotice. Additionally, insertion of a removable device into a drinkingstraw or a slideable housing may prove a choking hazard, even withsafeguards. This is especially dangerous for young children.

[0005] There is a long-felt need for a drinking straw that may provideentertainment, relaxation, and even amusement with a pumping action.Additionally, there is a need for an improved drinking straw that caneffectively, reliably, and safely deliver prizes and/or display messageswith a combined display area and prize delivery system. A reasonablypriced novelty drinking straw that could provide entertainment as wellas deliver prizes, or notice of prizes, is needed for marketingpromotions. This is especially evident in fast food chains that areinterested in using advertising, game pieces or prizes to increase orshift the market share in their favor or even creating new marketopportunities, customer excitement, and profits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide entertainment,relaxation and even amusement to the user of the pump drinking straw.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide an effective,reliable and safe drinking straw prize and/or message delivery.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a method totransfer liquid from a drinking vessel to the mouth of the user of thepump drinking straw without the need for mouth suction.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a simple andconvenient method to filter liquids contained in drinking vessels orother vessels.

[0010] Yet another object of the invention is to create a desire in theconsumer to purchase either the pump drinking straw or a beveragebecause the consumer desires a pump drinking straw.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a safe way tocontrol flow of beverages by providing a consumption means nearlyindependent from unexpected and sudden movements, including suddenlunging movements as experienced in vehicle travel, to help to eliminatespills, especially painful and potentially hazardous spills.

[0012] Another object of the invention is the manufacturing ability tobe readily changed or adaptable to marketing needs.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to effectively concealmessages of the pump drinking straw until the desired time or occurrencetranspires.

[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 shows a user drinking from the pump drinking straw with apeel away prize on the pump device.

[0016]FIG. 2 shows a squeeze bulb pump embodiment with a corporate logodisplayed in the display area of the pump device.

[0017]FIG. 3 shows a squeeze bulb pump embodiment with a corporate logodisplayed in the display area of the pump device being pumped.

[0018]FIG. 4 depicts a display of a squeeze bulb pump embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 5 depicts a display of a vertical accordion pump embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 6 depicts a display of a horizontal accordion pumpembodiment.

[0021]FIG. 7 depicts a roller pump embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 8-10 depict slide action roller pump embodiments.

[0023]FIG. 11 depicts a squeeze bulb pump with semi-rigid spring-loadedplates embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 12 depicts a squirt gun mechanism pump.

[0025]FIG. 13 depicts a pump in handle embodiment.

[0026]FIG. 14 depicts a character head pump embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 15 depicts a stand-alone toy of the character head pumpembodiment.

[0028]FIG. 16 depicts a filter in pump embodiment.

[0029]FIG. 17 depicts a whistle while you drink embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The invention is a novelty pump straw with a combined displayarea and message delivery system 1 comprising an improved drinking straw2 with a display area 3 and pump 4 whereby the user manually hand-pumpsliquid from a cup 5 to the mouth of the user. Enjoying one's favoritebeverage with this novel device can be relaxing, exhilarating and fun.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the invention is a pump drinking strawbeverage delivery device. The pump drinking straw 1 comprises anelongate drinking straw 2 with a first portion and corresponding end 6as well as a second portion and corresponding end 7. The first end isplaced into the mouth of the user and the second end is placed into theliquid. The pump drinking straw also has a pump device to pump theliquid from a cup or vessel 5 to the mouth of the user without the userhaving to suck the liquid through the drinking straw. Therefore, theliquid is solely transferred by the action of the pump device. The pumpdevice is located between the first end and the second end of the pumpdrinking straw. The position of the pump device is dependant upon thespecific embodiment, as the position may be fixed and an integral partof the drinking straw or may be within a bounded area and dependant uponthe location of a mobile pump device.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the invention may include variousfeatures that are designed to convey information. This conveyance of theinformation can be accomplished in various methods. Some of the methodsto convey the information include a display area which is incorporatedinto the design of the pump device 4. The display area 3 may contain orhave information applied to it in a variety of methods, includingprinting 8, embossing, and variation of materials. The pump deviceitself may be shaped to convey information, or example, the pump can beshaped in the form of a cartoon character or company logo. “Taco Bell”and the “Taco Bell Logo” are registered trademarks of the Taco BellCorporation.

[0033] The display area 3 is designed to convey messages. The messagesmay include such things as political slogans, game pieces, coupons,logos, cartoon characters, advertisements, prizes, fortunes, or anyother type or category of message or information that may be placed inthe display area. Notably, with the increased competition between fastfood establishments, the use of games and prizes has increased in orderto entertain and reward customers as well as increase business. The pumpdevice of the pump drinking straw may contain a prize message deliverysystem 8 as a method to distribute prizes, or at least the chance ofwinning a prize. Preferably, the prize message delivery system would usean opaque device designed to conceal a prize. Some of the variousmethods to distribute the prize messages on or in the display areainclude a peel-away flap revealing the message underneath, a scratch-offsurface again revealing the message underneath or a heat-sensitivesurface designed to reveal a prize message upon subjection to apredetermined temperature range.

[0034] Referring generally now to FIGS. 4-17, the pump device has manydifferent types of pumps as well as sizes, positions, and shapes of apump. For example, the pump device may be a squeeze bulb pump 11, anaccordion squeeze pump 30, roller compression pumps 40 and 50, a squirtgun mechanism pump 70, a filter pump 100, and a whistling pump 111.Additional embodiments of the basic types of pump embodiments mayinclude such features as rigid or semi-rigid spring-loaded plates 60connected to the pump (preferably a squeeze activated pump) that aredesigned to aid in pumping action. Another embodiment incorporates orpartially encapsulates the pump 80 of the pump drinking straw 1 into ahandle 81 of a drinking vessel 82. The majority of the pump devices inthe embodiments contain unidirectional valves 13, 14, 57, 73, 102 andare hand pumps that are built into and are an integral part of thedrinking straw.

[0035] The previously described versions of the present invention havemany advantages, including unique pumping actions as well as message andprize delivery. Thus, the problems that may be associated with previousattempts at drinking straws message delivery are solved.

[0036] Another advantage of the invention is the pump action of adrinking straw that eliminates the user from having to suck liquidsthrough a straw. This may be especially helpful when the user isdrinking a thick or viscous beverage, which can be difficult and tiringto drink through a straw.

[0037] Yet another advantage of the invention includes the entertainingand relaxing effect of using the pumping device to drink a beverage.

[0038] A further advantage of the invention is a novel, safe and costeffective method of advertising and/or delivering messages. The messagesmay be displayed outright upon immediate use of the pump drinking strawor the messages may be less obvious, including semi-permanently hiddenfrom plain view and designed to be uncovered at a later time.

[0039] Another advantage is that the invention is likely safer and morereliable at delivering an intact prize than other drinking strawdelivery systems due to the fact that small, removable parts are notrequired.

[0040] Yet another advantage of this invention is the potential costsavings of this use of a prize delivery system. Many businesses,especially fast food establishments, have widely used the peel tabs orsurfaces removable with scratching to reveal the prize messageunderneath. These existing methods may be used with the presentinvention.

[0041] Still, a further advantage of this invention includes the abilityto prominently display logos, word marks, cartoon characters, or otherdesigns with a pump drinking straw. The novelty of the design in thedesign area incorporated into the pump drinking straw may make theinvention a desirable keepsake, such as a memento from a theme park,specialty drink or destination vacation spot. The stand-alone toyembodiment increases the desirability of the invention.

[0042] It is important to note, however, that the invention does notrequire that all these advantages need be incorporated into everyembodiment of the invention.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the invention isshown that includes a squeeze bulb pump device 11. In this embodiment,pressing or constricting the squeeze bulb, preferably between thumb andfingers 12, effectuates the pumping action by reducing the volume withinthe bulb. Upon the release of the squeeze bulb, at least oneunidirectional valve inside the bulb creates a vacuum, thereby causingthe liquid to travel up the drinking straw 2 into the bulb and returnthe bulb to its original volume. Squeezing the bulb a second time causesthe lower valve 13 to close and the upper valve 14 to open, pushing theliquid up the straw into the recipient's mouth. Many of the messagesdescribed herein, including company logos, work marks or marketingmessages can be imprinted on the display area 3 of the squeeze bulb pumpdevice 4.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, vendors and marketing entities ofthe pump drinking straw are able to imprint a logo or message on thelarger surface area of the display area 3 than is typically found on alocalized surface of a drinking straw. The squeezing action of thesqueeze bulb pump can make a caricature or logo or message distort in anamusing fashion 20.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an accordion pump embodiment 30of the invention is shown. The accordion pump may be positionedvertically 31, horizontally 32 or even diagonally relative to thedrinking straw 2 orientation. Like the squeeze bulb design, compressingthe accordion pump with at least one unidirectional valve causes liquidto be pumped through the straw.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the inventionhas a roller pump 40. The roller pump requires at least one rollermechanism 41 to pinch 42 the drinking straw 2 so that the roller may bemoved up the straw, thereby pushing the contents of the drinking strawthrough the drinking straw and into the mouth of the user. The rollerpump may be designed so that the pinching action is released upon thedownward return of the roller pump. The method of moving the rollers upand down the drinking straw may include a hand crank or a wind-up pump.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, a variation of the roller pumpembodiment 40 is the slide action roller pump embodiment 50. Rollers 51in an engaged position 52 pinch 53 the drinking straw 2 to push liquidthrough the straw as the rollers 51 are slid up the drinking straw andrelease 54 the drinking straw to slide back down to a return positionwhen the rollers are slid down the drinking straw. One switch 55 engagesand the other switch 56 disengages the rollers 51 of the slide actionroller pump. This embodiment may include a one-way valve 57 at the endof the straw that meets the mouth.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment is shown whichshould be of particular interest for companies that desire no distortionof their logo; rigid plates 60 can encompass the pump apparatus 4,adding leverage to the pumping action while keeping the logos or messageon the display area 3 from being distorted. Thus, this embodiment isdesigned for a spring 61 aided squeeze bulb pump 11 embodiment. Thesqueeze bulb is located under the pressure plates. Like the squeeze bulbembodiment, squeezing the outer plates causes the squeeze bulb pump tocreate a pumping action; the spring 61 helps return the squeeze bulb tothe original shape and volume by returning the plates (and squeeze bulb)to their original, pre-squeezed position(s). Thus, the pressure platesare spring loaded to aid pumping action.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment is shown thatcontains a squirt gun/spray bottle pump mechanism 70. Pumping action iscreated in the squirt gun/spray bottle embodiment by squeezing thetrigger 71, drawing liquid through the drinking straw 2 by the movementsof the piston 72 and a series of at least two unidirectional valves 73,as is well known in the art. As the other embodiments, the liquid istransferred from a vessel to the mouth of the user.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 13, a further embodiment is depicted thatcontains a pump 80 in the handle 81 of a drinking vessel 82. In the pumpin handle embodiment, nearly the entire invention embodiment may behoused within a handle of a drinking vessel, such as a mug. Only theends of the pump drinking straw extend beyond the drinking vesselhandle. The second end portion 7 of the pump drinking straw is submersedin the liquid and the first end portion 6 of the pump drinking straw isavailable to meet the user's mouth. This embodiment may be a safermethod to deliver hot beverages to the mouth of the user becausepre-determined amounts of hot liquid can be delivered. Additionally,volumes of liquid temporarily housed within the pump device should notbe prone to spilling, which will be a relief to anyone who has spilledwhile sipping a hot beverage from a disposable cup with a plastic,folding-flap lid when applying the automobile breaks. Pictured is thesqueeze bulb pump device with a squeeze handle drinking cup pump inhandle embodiment.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, yet another embodiment is shownwhere the a pump device 4 is shaped 90 to convey a message and the pumpdrinking straw is configured to be used as a stand-alone toy when notused to drink liquids. Preferably, the pump device is shaped in afanciful manner 90 to comprise the main portion of the toy 91. The firstend portion 6 is semi-permanently connected to the pump device whereasthe second end portion 7 is either semi-permanently or permanentlyconnected to the pump device. When the stand-alone toy function isdesired, the first portion is disconnected from the pump device and theremaining second portion and the pump serve as the stand-alone toy.Therefore, the stand-alone toy embodiment pump may include the shape ofthe head of a cartoon character, logo/mascot of a sports team any othermarketing need. Applicant has chosen readily recognizable shape for useas an example without regard as to whether such recognizable shape willbe used in the manufacture of the pump drinking straw. “Mickey Mouse” isa registered trademark of Disney Enterprises, Incorporated.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 16, a further embodiment shows the pumpdevice containing a filter 100. The pump device filter component filtersliquids, preferably water, as the user drinks. Pictured is a squeezebulb pump 11 with filter material 101 inside the squeeze bulb forremoving impurities from a liquid. Additionally, passageways in the bulbarea can channel liquid through filter material. More course filters maybe used to filter such things as fruit juice pulp, tea leaves or coffeegrounds. This embodiment may also include one-way valves 102 at eitheror both ends of the pump mechanism leading to the first end portion 6and second end portions 7.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 17, still yet another embodiment compriseswhistle while you drink embodiment 111. The pump device contains anovelty device that produces a whistle, squeak or other sound created byair passing through an opening or device. Depicted is a whistle device112 on a squeeze bulb pump 11.

[0054] Other embodiments of the invention will become apparent accordingto those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications may bemade to the invention herein without deviating from the concepts andspirit of the invention set forth herein. Additionally, combinations ofembodiments are possible such as the whistle while you drink and thestand-alone toy embodiment for a noise-making toy or a pump in thehandle and filter embodiments to filter out coffee grounds from hotcoffee. Further combinations may include a plurality of pump devices inthe same general location or in different locations on the pump drinkingstraw. For example, the pump drinking straw may include an air pumpdevice and liquid pump device in a modified squeeze bulb embodiment sothat the liquid pump device is housed within or adjacent to an air pumpdevice in which both pumps are activated with the same squeezing actionby the user.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in considerabledetail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, otherembodiments or versions will become apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art. Additionally, variations of additional pumps are possible,such as a battery-operated pump or greatly increasing the dimensions ofthe pump drinking straw for recreational consumption of increasedquantities of beverages. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims and the concepts taught therein should not be limited to thedescription of the preferred embodiments contained herein.

We claim:
 1. A process for pumping liquids with a drinking straw, saidprocess comprising: inserting a drinking straw with a pump deviceattached thereto into a liquid; activating said pump device so as tomove said liquid unidirectionally within said drinking straw; pumpingsaid liquid through said drinking straw such that said liquid progressesthrough said drinking straw; reactivating said pump device as needed tocontinue said progression of said liquid through said drinking straw. 2.The process according to claim 1 wherein said pump device furthercomprises a display area.
 3. The process according to claim 2 whereinsaid display area is designed to convey information.
 4. The processaccording to claim 3 wherein said information is applied to said displayarea.
 5. The process according to claim 2 wherein said display area isshaped to convey information.
 6. The process according to claim 1wherein said pump device further comprises a prize message deliverysystem.
 7. The process according to claim 6 wherein said prize messagedelivery system further comprises an opaque device designed to conceal aprize.
 8. The process according to claim 7 wherein said opaque device isselected from the group consisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-offsurface, and a heat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize messageupon subjection to a predetermined temperature range.
 9. The processaccording to claim 1 wherein said pump device is selected from the groupconsisting of a squeeze bulb pump, an accordion squeeze pump, a rollercompression pump, a filter pump, a noise making pump, and a squirt gunmechanism pump.
 10. The process according to claim 9 further comprisingat least semi-rigid spring-loaded plates connected to said pump isdesigned to aid in pumping action.
 11. A pump drinking straw liquiddelivery device, comprising: a. an elongate drinking straw, saiddrinking straw with a first end and a second end; b. a pump device, saidpump device located on said drinking straw between said first end andsaid second end, said pump device designed to move a liquidunidirectionally within said drinking straw such that said liquidprogresses generally unidirectionally through said drinking straw; c. adisplay area located on said pump device.
 12. The pump drinking strawliquid delivery device according to claim 11 wherein said display areais designed to convey messages.
 13. The pump drinking straw liquiddelivery device according to claim 12 wherein said display area furthercomprises a prize message delivery system.
 14. The pump drinking strawliquid delivery device according to claim 13 wherein said prize messagedelivery system further comprises an opaque device designed to conceal aprize.
 15. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery device according toclaim 14 wherein said opaque device is selected from the groupconsisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off surface, and aheat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message uponsubjection to a predetermined temperature range.
 16. The pump drinkingstraw liquid delivery device according to claim 11 wherein said pumpdevice is selected from the group consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, anaccordion squeeze pump, a roller compression pump, a filter pump, awhistling pump, and a squirt gun mechanism pump.
 17. The pump drinkingstraw liquid delivery device according to claim 16 wherein said pumpcomprises a hand pump inseparable from said drinking straw such thatliquid is transferred from a cup to the user's mouth solely byactivating said hand pump.
 18. The pump drinking straw liquid deliverydevice according to claim 17 further comprising semi-rigid or harderspring-loaded plates connected to said pump is designed to aid inpumping action.
 19. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery deviceaccording to claim 17 further comprising at least one unidirectionalvalve positioned at or between the first and second ends of saiddrinking straw.
 20. The pump drinking straw liquid delivery deviceaccording to claim 11 wherein said drinking straw comprises a firstportion and a second portion, said first portion semi-permanentlyconnected to said pump, said drinking straw designed so thatdisconnecting said first portion from said pump permits said secondportion and said pump to function as a stand-alone toy.
 21. The pumpdrinking straw beverage delivery device, comprising: a. an elongatedrinking straw, said drinking straw with a first end and a second end;b. a pump device, said pump device located on said drinking strawbetween said first end and said second end and said pump device designedto assist a beverage to progress through said drinking straw and saidpump such that said beverage is transferred from a cup to a user's mouthsolely by activating said pump; c. a display area located on said pumpdevice, said display area designed to convey information.
 22. The pumpdrinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 whereinsaid pump device is shaped to convey information.
 23. The pump drinkingstraw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 wherein saiddisplay area further comprises a category of information selected fromthe group consisting of political slogans, game pieces, coupons,messages, logos, characters, advertisements, prizes, and fortunes. 24.The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 23wherein said prize comprises a prize message delivery system.
 25. Thepump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 24wherein said prize message delivery system is selected from the groupconsisting of a peel-away flap, a scratch-off surface, and aheat-sensitive surface designed to reveal a prize message uponsubjection to a predetermined temperature range.
 26. The pump drinkingstraw beverage delivery device according to claim 21 wherein said pumpdevice is selected from the group consisting of a squeeze bulb pump, anaccordion squeeze pump, a roller compression pump, a filter pump, anoise making pump, and a squirt gun mechanism pump.
 27. The pumpdrinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 26 whereinsaid pump comprises a hand pump built into said drinking straw.
 28. Thepump drinking straw beverage delivery device according to claim 27further comprising semi-rigid or harder spring-loaded plates connectedto said pump designed to aid in pumping action.
 29. The pump drinkingstraw beverage delivery device according to claim 26 wherein said pumpdrinking straw beverage delivery device is designed to be located withina handle of a drinking vessel.
 30. The pump drinking straw liquiddelivery device according to claim 26 further comprising at least oneunidirectional valve positioned at or between the first and second endsof said drinking straw.
 31. The pump drinking straw beverage deliverydevice according to claim 21 further comprising a plurality of pumpdevices.
 32. The pump drinking straw beverage delivery device accordingto claim 31 wherein said plurality of pumps comprises at least one airpump and at least one liquid pump.
 33. The pump drinking straw beveragedelivery device according to claim 21 wherein said drinking strawcomprises a first portion and a second portion, said first portionsemi-permanently connected to said pump, said drinking straw designed sothat disconnecting said first portion from said pump reveals said secondportion and said pump functioning as a molded pump stand-alone toy.